Okazaki Admin Affairs Employee of the Quarter

Grant Okazaki, an account clerk on temporary assignment to the Cashier I position in the University of Hawaii at HiloBusiness Office, has been selected Administrative Affairs Employee of the Quarter for October to December 2005.

Okazaki started his job as an emergency hire on July 1, 2003. He received a temporary assignment outside of list (TAOL) on June 14, 2004 and a regular appointment May 10, 2005. He started his current temporary assignment on July 1, 2005. Before his hiring at UH Hilo, Okazaki was employed at Kulana Foods where he worked with his uncle, legendary former UH Hilo basketball coach Jimmy Yagi.

Okazaki says he enjoys his job at UH Hilo, especially his co-workers in the Business Office.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for what you do, especially when you’ve been here for just a short time,” Okazaki said.

The co-worker who nominated Okazaki for the award praised him as a team player and a quick study with a positive attitude.

“In such a short time, Grant has proven to be a tremendous asset to the Business Office and the Administrative Affairs unit as a whole,” the individual wrote. “His willingness and ability to take on new responsibilities have made him a well-rounded employee. Since Grant started working at the Business Office, there have been several vacancies which resulted in the shuffling of responsibilities. Without hesitation, he is always willing to contribute to the overall betterment of the Business Office. Because of his vast knowledge, we rely on Grant for back-up help in a variety of areas.”

Okazaki also deals face-to-face with students, the UH Hilo community and public-at-large in his role as Business Office cashier.

“He deals with them, whether on the phone or in person, with tact and courtesy,” according to the nominator. “At times, he is a bearer of bad news. Grant will always take the time to explain from A to Z the circumstances of the situation so that the individual can have a better understanding of the situation.”

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